Bogard's donates because 'We're all animal lovers'

So it was no surprise when the Hagerstown hairstylist decided to organize a fundraiser benefitting the Humane Society of Washington County.

Appropriately named Cuts for Mutts, the event was held Saturday at Bogard's, a salon in downtown Hagerstown.

Employees of the business spent the day doing their usual jobs - shampooing and cutting hair, coloring and giving perms. But this time, all of the day's proceeds went to the Humane Society.

"We're all animals lovers," said Michael Snyder, owner of Bogard's. "So when LaDonna came up with the idea, we all thought it would be a wonderful thing to do."

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Their clients seemed to like the idea, too. Snyder said they were booked for the entire day.

Wenk said Bogard's began generating interest in the fundraiser about two months ago.

"We put up signs about the event and we also posted a wish list from the Humane Society," she said.

All day, Wenk noted, people were stopping by with bags of dog and cat food, pet toys and cash donations.

By the end of the day, Bogard's was hoping to have generated about $3,000 for the local animal shelter.

"Some people couldn't believe we would donate an entire day's income," said Snyder. "But this is something we really wanted to do. I've been in business for about 30 years and I've done benefits for all sorts of organizations. And the one thing I've learned is that it all comes back to you one way or another."

Wenk said that while the fundraiser made the employees and clients feel good, it was going to make "a world of difference to the animals."

"There is nothing more innocent than an animal," she said. "If we helped save or take care of just one dog or cat, then this whole day was worth it."

Cindy Kalkbrenner, director of development and community communications for the Humane Society of Washington County, said the organization was "overwhelmed by Bogard's generosity.'"

"They were so committed to doing this," she said. "All I can say is 'thank you, thank you, thank you.'"

According to Kalkbrenner, the money will be put to good use, likely for a spaying and neutering program.

Kalkbrenner said she hoped the daylong event also would serve an educational purpose, making area residents aware of the work and needs of the Humane Society.

"Hopefully, it will bring some people out to adopt some of our animals," she said.

Donna Maciorowski of Shepherdstown, W. Va., was among the clients at Bogard's who appreciated the effort to help the Humane Society.

"I think it's great," she said. "I have two adopted dogs myself, so I know helping animals is a really good cause."

Helen Jones of Hagerstown had heard about the fundraiser and stopped by to drop some money into a donations jar on a front counter.

"I love animals and wanted to do something to help," she said.

Snyder said Bogard's is hoping to make Cuts for Mutts an annual event.

"The response has been wonderful," he explained. "Everyone who walked through our doors today has been an animal lover."